Alpha 1 Gen II Gimbal Bearing Replacement

[MikeDobbs]

Greetings! I'm getting the boat ready for the season and am replacing the gimbal bearing. I've got the leg off, and have a slide hammer inserted through the bearing, and I've been banging on it for a good while now. I'm not sure how much progress I've made thus far. Any suggestions or tricks for making this bit easier?

 

[thumpar]

Are you hitting with full force? Mine came out with 2 good whacks.

 

[MikeDobbs]

Are you hitting with full force? Mine came out with 2 good whacks.

Yes- as good as I can manage. Took a break and went back to it a few times, but it isn't out yet.

 

[thumpar]

You might want to try put some penetrating oil on the outside of the bearing and let it soak overnight. I like PB Blaster.

 

[MikeDobbs]

You might want to try put some penetrating oil on the outside of the bearing and let it soak overnight. I like PB Blaster.

OK- will do. Do I need to be careful about getting that on the bellows? Or will it not bother the rubber?

 

[Bt Doctur]

where are you located

 

[MikeDobbs]

where are you located

I'm in Long Island, NY

 

[jmarines]

Your slide hammer may not be big enough .weight wise.. happened to me when I did it my first time. I upgraded to a larger slide hammer and it popped out quickly

 

[Alumarine]

Mine was really stuck as well
I made this up from advice on this forum
The jaws that grab the bearing was from a Rear Axle Bearing Puller Set.
The jaws from a slide hammer might work as well.
Came out nicely.

 

[MikeDobbs]

Mine was really stuck as well
I made this up from advice on this forum
The jaws that grab the bearing was from a Rear Axle Bearing Puller Set.
The jaws from a slide hammer might work as well.
Came out nicely.

WOW- what a difference a puller makes. For the sake of expediency I payed a local guy to pull it for me (came out like butter with the puller tool), but I tried building what you have there. Problem was, the slide hammer has a fine thread, and the only threaded rods I could find locally have a course thread. Looks like you had the same issue, and bought a little fine to course thread adaptor there. I couldn't find one of those locally either. So, I'll order online, and be ready for next time : )

 

[Alumarine]

I used 5/8 fine thread threaded rod and a nut that I picked up at a bolt store.